Fluid resistor



J. F. TAPLIN FLUID RESISTOR May 2,' 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 15, 1946 INVENTOR. Jhw F. EPA v BY W J 4/f' ne J. F. TAPLlN FLUID RESISTOR May 2, 1950 INVENTOR. Jaw/N F 72+PL/N 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 W L7 W Afi r'r/e v Filed May 15, L946 Patented May 2, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FLUID RESISTOR John Tap lin, West Newton, Mass. Application May 15, 1946, Serial No. 670,008

14 Claims.

This invention relates to fluid resistors, and has as an object, the provision of a fluid resistor, the resistance of which can readily be varied over a wide range.

expected to require, but since in the past it has been possible to adjust them only by changing their dimensions, it has been necessary where quick and precise adjustment has been required, to use special forms of needle valves, or porous plugs the resistance of which was varied by compression elements.

This invention provides a fluid resistor, the resistance to fluid flow of which is readily and continuously adjustable. Two fluid flow passages are provided, one passage having a relatively high resistance, and the other having a relatively low resistance, the passages being interconnected at closely spaced points along their lengths. The low resistance path can be closed ofi at any point along its length by the movement of a plunger therethrough. Where the plunger has not closed ofi the low resistance passage, the fluid flow is through both passages, and the resistance to fluid flow is relatively slight. Where the plunger has closed off the low resistance passage, the fluid flow is through the highresistance passage, and the resistance to fluid flow is relatively great.

Thus by movement of the plunger, the resistance of the resistor can be varied continuously in minute steps from maximum tominimum and vice versa.

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing,of which:

Fig. l is a side elevation, with internal components indicated by dashed lines, of a fluid resistor embodying this invention;

vFig. 2 is a sectional view along the lines 2--2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the -construction of the discs used, in the resistor of by the movable plunger;

Fig. 4 is a view similar so Fig. 3 but illustrates the fluid flow through the resistor with the relatively largepassage wide openi Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 3 except that orifices are used for providing the increased resistance in the flow passage having highest resistance; v

' Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the construction and arrangement of the discs providing fluid passages, in another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating th construction and arrangement of the discs providing fluid passages, in still another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 is a side elevation, partially in section, of a fluid potentiometer embodying this invention; 1

Fig. 9 is an end elevation of the central disc in the potentiometer of Fig. 8, and

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic view, in reduced scale, of the connection of the fluid potentiometer of Fig. 8 in a fluid circuit.

Referring first to Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, the fluid resistor l0 consists of a cylindrical casing having threaded ends with the end caps H and I2 screwed thereon. Stacked in the casing between the end caps are the alternately arranged transfer discs l3 and resistance discs I. Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate the order of arrangement of the discs.

The transfer discs I3 are similar and have the relatively large, circular openings it for the reception of the resistance adjusting plunger [5, and have the relativelysmall openings I! in the capillary passage as will be described. Alternate transfer discs [3 are rotated degrees about their axes as illustrated by Figs. 3 and 4, so that alternate openings [1 are diametrically opposite. The uppermost disc of Fig; 3 and of Fig. 4 is the disc l3 of Fig. 2, the disc through the opening I! of which, the fluid leaves the resistor.

The inlet tube I8 extends through an opening in the end cap I2 and connects with the inlet opening I! in the inlet disc I3. The outlet tube l9 extends through an opening in the end cap H and connects with the opening I! in the outlet disc I 3. r

The resistance discs M are similar and are similarly placed in the resistor. They have the relatively. large, circular openings 20 having the same diameter as the openings 18 in the discs l3, and are aligned with the openings 16 for the reception of the plunger IS. The discs 14 also have the fluid through the resistor has two passages, one the passage of relatively low resistance straight through the aligned, relatively large openings i6 in the discs l3, and 20 in the discs l4, and the other the capillary passage of relatively high resistance through the openings H and the slits 23.

When the plunger I is inserted through all of the openings '20 in the discs M, then the low resistance passage is closed off as illustrated by Fig. 3. The flow through the capillary passage is indicated by the lines with arrows, the flow being shown to be from the opening I! in the lowermost disc i3, through the opening 22 .the slit 23 and the opening 2| of the adjacent resistance disc |4, into the opening =|t| :of the next ad jacent disc l3, then through the opening 2|, the slit 23 and the opening 22 of the next adjacent disc l4, and then out the opening H in the upperwithdrawn from "the discs so that therelative'ly large, low resistance passage through the-resistor is completely open. The highresistance passage is the same as that described in the foregoing in connection with 3. The low resistance passage is seen to be from the slit 23 in the lowermost resistance disc |-4 into the open'ingZU in the same disc, and then through the openings 16 and 2|! in the discs between same and-the outlet.

As the plunger I5 is insertedto close off the openings I5 and 2c in some of the discs, then the low resistance passage through these discs is closed leaving the only passage through those discs'to be the capillary passage.

While Figs. 3 and e illustrate five discs as forming the two flow passages, any multiple of {four may be used *dependingupon the'totagl resistance required.

The plunger Hi can be adjusted to engage more 4.1.

or fewer discs for providing more or less resistance. Thus the resistive elements can be added or subtracted one at a time for providing minute resistance changes, or can be added. or subtracted in as many numbers at a time as are required for providing any desired resistance change within the capacity of {the resistor.

Fig. 5 is similar to Fig. 3 except that the resistance discs id instead of containing the openings' 2! and =22 interconnected by the slits 23,

have-instead, slots with the orifices iii therein on the opposite sides of the slits 24, and except that the transfer discs i3 instead of having the relatively srnall openingsl T therein, have instead {the larger openings '32.

The'pressuredropspare across the orifices rather than along the length of acapillary as in the case of Figs. 3 and 4. Otherwise the fluid, flow and the resistance adjustment are the same as described in the foregoingin connection with'Figs.

3 and 4.

Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the inventi on in which square end, resistance and transfer discs are used. The uppermost disc 40 is an end disc of which there are two, onlyone of which is illustrated since the two are duplicates. The discs 42, 44 and '45 are the resistance discs,

and the discs 41,43 and 49 are transfer discs,

spending .to the previously described plunger l5.

The resistance .discs-.2,- 43,, .44 and 45 have the similar, relatively long slits 50, 5|, 52, 54, 55 and 4 56 formed therein, and have the relatively short slits 53 connecting with the openings 4| therein.

The transfer discs 46, 41, 45 and 49 have the bridging slits 51, 58, 59, 6G and BI which interconnect the ends of the slits in the resistance discs for connecting same in series with each other, and have the relatively small openings 39 for interconnecting the ,slits in adjacent resistance discs.

The lengths of the slits 50-56 inclusive, are substantially greater than the distances between the outer edges of the slits 5i) and 55. The slits -51,;5B..and 59 are further from the centers of the discs than are the slits 5|] and 5t, and are covered'by'the unperiorated m'etal between the outer edges-oi the slits "it and 5G and the adjacent outer edges of the discs in which they are formed, whereby neither of theslits 56 or 56 in one disc can bridge the slits 5|l--5S in another disc.

The end discs i't have 'therelatively small, circular openings l i therein, servingin the disc 5 illustrated, as .a fluid inlet -opening, and serving in the other disc til (not shown) as a fluid outlet opening.

Facing Fig. fi of the=drawing, :theresistancedisc 43 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction through an angle-of 'degreeswith respect to the resistance disc :32; the resistance disc 44 is slimlarly rotated with respect-to the disc 43, and the disc s5 is similarly rotated with respect to the disc 44. The transfer disc 4-! is similarly rotated withrespect to the transfer disc 45; the transfer disc as is similarly rotated with respect to the transfer :disc 41, and the transfer disc 49 similarly rota'tedw-ith respect to the :disc 48.

The "slits in "the resistance and transfer discs of Fig. 6 form a capillary passage. The fluid 'entersthe passage through the-openingll in the disc 40, then passes into the lower-endof the slit 5!! in the disc 42, then passes out the upper end of the slit 50 into-the left hand end of the slit '51 in the disc 46. then out the right hand end 'of the slit 5'! into the-upper end of "the slit 5| in the disc 42, then out the lower end of the slit 51 into the left hand end of the slit -60 inthe disc 415, then out the'righthand end of the slit'BU into the lower end of the slit 52 in the disc '42, then out the-upper end of the slit 52 into the left hand end of "the slit 58 in the disc "46, 'then-out'theright hand end of the slit 58 into the upper end of the slit "5'4 in the disc 42gthen out'lthe lower :end of the'slit 54"into the left hand end ,Of :the slit 6| in the disc 46, then out the right hand of the slit the right hand end of the slit '59 into :the upper end of the slit 56 in the disc 42, then out the lower end of the slit 56 into .the opening .39 in the disc 45, then through the opening .39 into .the right hand end of the slit 50 in the disc-43, then out the left'hand end of the slit ,5!) into the lower end .of the slit 5! in the disc v47, then. outlthe upper end ,of the, slit 5.1 into the left handlend of the slit 5| in the disc 43, then out the right hand end of the slit .5] into the lower .endcf the slit ficinlthedisc 41, then out the upper end .of the-slit .60 into the righthand .end .of the slit 52 'in thc disc 3, then out the lefthand .end of :theslit .52 into the ilowcr end .of the slit .58 inthe .disc AL-then .out the upper end of the slit 58 into the :lefthand end of the, .slit" 5 in the disc 43 then out :the' right hand .end of the slitM-Iinto thelomer end .of the slit 6| in the disc .41,- then smiths-upper end or the slit 6| into the right hand end of the slit 5! in the disc 43, then out the left hand end of the slit 55 into the lower end of the slit 59 in the disc 41, then out the upper end of the slit 59 into the left hand end of the slit 56 in the disc 43, then out the right hand end of the slit 56 into the opening 39 in the disc 41, and through the opening 39 into the upper end of the'slot 59 in the disc 44.

The flow through the discs 44 and 48 is the same as that described in the foregoing in connection with discs 42 and 46, and the flow through the discs 45 and 49 is the same as that described in the foregoing in connection with discs 43 and 41. The opening 39 in the disc 49 is aligned with the lower end of the slit 59 of another disc corresponding to the disc 42, in the same way as the opening II in the end plate 49 is aligned with the slit 59 in the disc 42, and the cycle is repeated through other sets of eight discs similar to the discs 42, 46, 43, 41, 44, 48, 45 and 49, and similarly arranged.

The opening 39 in the last or fluid outlet, transfer disc corresponding to the disc 49 of Fig. 6, would be aligned with the opening II in the out let end disc of the resistor, similar to the disc 49 of Fig. 6 but placed at the opposite end of the stack of discs.

The low resistance fluid passage would be through the openings 4| in the discs of Fig. 6, and a resistance adjusting plunger similar to the plunger 1 5 of Figs. 1-5 would be movable through the openings 4| for varying the resistance of the resistor. The slits 53 connect the openings 4| with the centers of the capillary passages through the resistance discs. justing plunger is removed from an opening 4| .in a resistance disc, then the capillary passage through that disc is shunted by the low resistance passage through the opening 4|, thereby greatly reducing the resistance of that disc. When the resistance adjusting plunger is inserted in an opening 4| in a resistance disc, then the low resistance passage through that disc is closed whereby all the fluid flow is through the high resistance, capillary passage.

The small circular openings 19 in the four corners of the discs of Fig. 6 are for receiving small rods or bolts for holding the discs aligned in a stack that can be inserted in a casing.

Fig. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in which transfer discs are not used. The resistance discs are arranged in sets of threes consisting of discs I2, I3 and 14. The discs are similar and have the slits 15 formed as circular arcs, each are extending through 129 degrees. and having the circular openings I6 and 11 formed in its ends. The disc 13 is rotated through anangle of 120 degrees with respect to the disc 12, and the disc I4 is rotated through an angle of 120 degrees with respect to the disc 13 as illustrated by Fig. '7. The end discs 82 of which there are two, only one of which is illustrated, each has a small circular opening 83 formed therein and so located that it can be aligned with one of the I The discs 12, 13 and 14 have the slits 84 connecting the centers of the slits I5 with the central openings 89.

A capillary fluid passage is provided through "the opening 83 in the inlet and disc 82, then through the opening I? in the "disc 12 aligned When the resistance adtherewith, then through the slit I5 in the disc I2, then through the opening I6 in the disc 12 into the aligned opening 11 in the disc I3, then through the slit 15 in the disc I3, then through the opening I6 in the disc I3 into the opening IT in the disc I4, then through the slit I5 in the disc 74 and through the opening 16 in the disc I4 into an opening 1? in another disc (not shown) corresponding to the disc I2 and forming the inlet resistance disc in another set of discs, the number of sets of discs depending upon the total resistance required. An end plate similar to the end plate 82 of Fig. '7 would have its opening 83 aligned with the opening 16 in the last or outlet resistance disc corresponding to the disc I4.

The openings 89 provide a fluid passage of relatively low resistance which can be variably closed on by a plunger through the openings 89 in the same way as the plunger I5 closes off the low resistance passages described in the foregoing in connection with Figs. l-5.

The resistance discs in each embodiment of the invention are seen to be duplicates, as are the transfer plates. They can be manufactured using standard stamping machinery, the corresponding openings and slits being formed by the same tools so that they will be in proper alignment when assembled into resistors. The openings for the resistor varying plungers in the discs of each embodiment of the invention can be punched with the same tool thus providing identical sizes so that the plunger can be moved through the discs with small friction drag and therefore small efiort.

The transfer discs illustrated may have the same thickness for providing a linear relationbetween plunger movement and resistance, or they may be made to have varying thicknesses so that a logarithmic relation between plunger movement and resistance may be provided.

Figs. 8, 9 and 10 illustrate how a fluid resistor embodying features of this invention can be arranged as a potentiometer. The potentiometer illustrated has resistance discs and transfer discs similar to those of Figs. l-4, except that a center tap plate 99 replaces the center resistance disc. The plate 99 has a radial extension 9| with a slit 92 therein which connects with the slit 93 aligned with the sl ts 23 in the resistance discs. The inlet tube 94 of the cylindrical casing 95 is aligned with and connects with, the inlet opening in the inlet disc corresponding to the inlet opening I1 in the inlet disc I3 of Figs. 3 and 4. The outlet tube 95 is aligned with and connects with the outlet opening in the outlet disc I3 corresponding to the opening I! in the outlet disc I3 of Figs. 1-4.

the remainder of the plunger being solid. The

opening I99 has a width equal to that of twoof the discs of Figs. 3 and 4, and as the'plunger is moved as described in connection with Figs. 3 and .4,'through the resistor for varying its resistance,

the opening I99 overlaps pairs of the discs in the resistor.

The plunger 9'! has a length sufficient to extend through the resistor when the opening I99 therein is moved from one extreme end of the casing 9.5 to the other end thereof, whereby it can serve as the plunger I5 described in connection with Figs.

.3 and & serves, to adjust the resistance .of the resistor.

The extension 91 of the plate 99 extends into .a tube connection I02 at the top of the casing 55 and which is adapted to .be connected, as illus: :trated by Fig. 1-0, by the tube )3 to one end O the pressure manometer 1104, the other end of which is connected to the axial opening 99 in the plunger .91..

Inoperation, if a pressure differential is .mainztali-ned across the resistor by maintaining a flow of ifl-uid ltherethrough between the inlet tube. .95 and the outlet tube .95, the manometer i194 will indigate the pressure difference between the center tap slit 92 in the plate fiikand thepick-up opening its in the plunger 9?. As with any center tapped potentiometer, a zero indication will be obtained on the manometer when the opening 550 is in alignment with the slit 92 in the center plate .90.

While embodiments of the inventionhave been described for the purpose of illustration, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact apparatus and arrangements of appa ratus illustrated, since modifications thereof may stacked discs,.means iorminga tortuous fiuidpassage. through said discs, means forming .a non- -tortuous fiuid passage through said discs, means inter-connecting said passages at a plurality of closely spaced points along their lengths, and a resistance adjusting member movable through said non-tortuous passage.

2. A fluid resistor according to claim 1 in which the tortuous passage is a capillary.

.3. A fluidresistor according to claiml in which the tortuous passage includes a plurality of mifices.

4. A fiuid resistor comprising a plurality of stacked discs, alternate of said discs having tortuous fluid passages formed therein, the discs between said alternate discs having passages there- ,through interconnecting the passages in the alternate discs, said discs having a non-tortuous fluid passage 'therethrough, saidalternate discs having fiuid passages interconnecting said tortu- 011s and non-tortuous passages, .and a resistance adjusting member movable through said nontortuous passage.

'5. A fiuid resistor according to claim 4 in which the tortuous passages are capillaries.

16. A fluidresistor according to claim 4 in which the tortuous passages include a plurality of ori .fices.

'7, A fluid resistor comprising a plurality of stacked discs, alternate discs having a plurality .of fluid passages therein, the discs between the alternate discs having fluid passages therein for connecting said first mentioned fluid passages in series, said discs having a common fluid passage therethrough, said alternate discs having fluid -passages connecting said :first mentioned passages with said common passage, and a resistance adjusting member movable through said common passage.

8. A fluid resistor according to claim 7 in which 'the first mentioned fluid passages are capillaries, and the common passage has a relatively large cross-sectional area.

- A fluid-resistor comprising a plurality of st'a-"clrecl' discs, alternate discs-having relatively high resistance fluid passages therein, .the discs between said alternate discs having passages therein connecting said passages in series, said discs having a common .fiuid passage of relatively .lo-vv .fluid resistance extending therethrough, said alternate discs having fiuid passages connecting said relatively high rcsistancefiuid passages with said common passage, and a resistance adjusting member movable through said common passage.

10. .A fluid resistor comprisin a plurality of discs having .fiuid passages of relatively high .resistance connected .in series, means .forming .a common lfiuidpassage of relativelylow resistance through saiddiscs, means in said discs connecting the high resistance fluid passages therein with said-common passage, and resistance adjusting means movable through said common passage.

'11. A fi-uid resistor comprising means forming a plurality of fluid passages of relatively high resistance connected in series, a channel in said resistor connected at a plurality of closely spaced points along its length with said passages, and a pressure-tappingmember movable through said channel.

12. A fluid resistor comprising means forming a plurality of fluid passages of relatively .high resistance connected in series and extending therethrough, a channel .of relatively low resistance to fluid flow extending through said resistor, means forming other passages connecting said first mentioned passages with said channel at a plurality of closely spaced passages along its length, and a resistance adjusting member movable through said channel, said member having a. pressure tapping opening therein connecting with said other passages.

13. A fluid resistor comprising a plurality of stacked discs, means forming a tortuous fluid passage through said discs, means forming a non- .tortuous fluid passage through said discs, means forming other passages connecting said tortuous passage and said non-tortuous passage .at a plurality of closely spaced points, and ,a resistance adjusting member movable through said nontortuous passage, said member having a pressure tapping opening therein connecting with said other passages.

14. A fluid potentiometer comprising a plurality of stacked discs, means fcrminga relatively tortuous fiuid passage through said discs, means forming a relatively non-tortuous fluid passage through said discs, cross passages interconnecting said passages at a plurality of points, means forming a passage connecting the centers of said tortubus and non-tortuous passages and the exterior of the potentiometer, and .a member movable through said non-tortuous passage and having a hollow portion with an opening through its wall alignable with said cross passages.

JOHN F. TAPLIN.

REFERENCES CITED The following reierences are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name 7 Date 1,964,300 Perry et al June 263.19% 2,021,079 .Mittendorf et al Nov. 12, 1935 2,118,290 Black May 24, 1938 2,118,295 Crawford et al. May 24, 1938 2,236,084 Brown Mar. -25, 1941 2,323,115 Bryant June 29, 1943 

